Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

Can’t decide if you want cheesecake or brownies for dessert? These Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies are two desserts in one. Two are better than one for sure.

You knew one more crazy dessert had to be coming before Valentine’s Day right?

And what is crazier than cheesecake brownies? Not too much! In the spirit of love week, I added some red velvet cake mix to the cheesecake. So if you think about it, this is really three desserts all rolled into one amazing treat! Brownies, cheesecake, AND cake batter? Hold me back!!!

This week I am going to focus on some happy things. My family, the sunshine, reading my Bible, and eating chocolate. Those are just a few of the things that bring me joy each day.

It is good to look at the bright spots in your life and realize that no matter what happens in life, we have so much to be thankful for. I am thankful for a loving husband who takes care of us, and who loves to do what he can to make me happy. He is the love of my life, and I know I don’t tell him that enough. I am thankful for sunshine even on cold snow filled days. There are days that I complain about the amount of snow we have, but I am truly thankful to be able to see and enjoy the seasons that God has created. I am thankful for the ability to read. This year I have been trying to read and do my devotions every day. Honestly, I have failed that goal so many different days, but I am thankful for a Heavenly Father that gives grace and keeps encouraging me to slow down and refocus. It is easy to get distracted by other things. Things that aren’t even that important in the big picture. It is my prayer that I learn how to handle those distractions better.

And the last thing that I am thankful for is chocolate. Yes, chocolate is always in the top 5 of any list. Today’s chocolate happens to be in the form of brownies. Feel free to make your own or use a box mix for this recipe. I like to simplify from time to time, so a box mix is how I roll. The cheesecake on top is easy to mix up. Just make sure you remember to set out your cream cheese ahead of time. Cold cream cheese does not cream very well, and lumpy cheesecake just doesn’t look or sound as appealing.

For the bright red color in the cheesecake, I added part of a dry red velvet cake mix. I happened to have an extra one sitting in my cupboard and figured this was an easy way to use it. I love how bright red these turned out. I did bake some Red Velvet M&M’s on the top of the swirled cheesecake. Note: the candies will sink into the cheesecake, so it is your call if you want to use them or not. Mini chocolate chips would work just as well.

Thank goodness I still have part of that cake mix left…I think another pan of these brownies is just what we need this week.

Red velvet cheesecake is swirled on top of brownies for a fun and delicious Valentines treat.

Ingredients

1 box brownie mix (9x13 pan)

2 packages cream cheese, softened (8 oz. each)

1/2 cup sugar

2 eggs

2 Tablespoons sour cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup dry red velvet cake mix

1 cup Red Velvet M&M candies (optional)

Cool Whip

sprinkles

Instructions

Prepare the brownies according to the package directions. Set 3/4 cup brownie batter aside. Pour the rest of the brownie batter in a greased 9x13 pan. Set aside.

Place the cream cheese and sugar in a mixing bowl. Beat until creamy. Add the eggs, vanilla, and sour cream and beat again. Slowly add the dry cake mix and beat again. Gently spoon over the brownie batter. Drop the reserved brownie batter by spoonfuls over the cheesecake. Swirl gently with a knife. Sprinkle with the M&M candies if desired. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool. Refrigerate until set.

Cut into 24 squares. Serve with Cool Whip and sprinkles. Refrigerate in a sealed container.

Notes

If you use the M&M's on top of the cheesecake, they will sink down into the batter and bake inside. You could also serve the cheesecake with the M&M's on top of the Cool Whip.

I have been making it a mission to do devotions every day this year as well. I find that it makes me happier Loving these brownies… I didn’t even know that red velvet m&ms existed. Yum!Laura @ Lauras Baking Talent recently posted..Russian Blini

These look amazing Jocelyn!! Thanks so much for being so encouraging and pointing me back to what I should be focusing on! Joy!Nancy P.@thebittersideofsweet recently posted..40+ Chocolate Raspberry Recipes

Three different desserts in one?! Only you could think of such a dangerous and delicious thing! I love the bright red color and the chocolate swirls–this is the perfect Valentine’s Day dessert!Elizabeth @ SugarHero.com recently posted..Truffle-Topped Heart Cake

These look incredible Jocelyn! Red Velvet cheesecake and brownies? They sound like the perfect Valentine’s Day treat and the swirls are just magnificent Kelly recently posted..Red Velvet Valentine Macarons

I’ve made cream cheese swirled red velvet brownies before, but I love how you made the cream cheese the red velvet part and kept the brownie brown.Erin @ The Spiffy Cookie recently posted..Hoisin-Glazed Turkey Meatloaf Cupcakes

These are officially my new favorite thing ever ever ever. Not only are they stunning, I am in LOVE with the concept of a red velvet cheesecake! Pinning!!Hayley @ The Domestic Rebel recently posted..Black Forest Donut Whoopies

I love these Jocelyn!! They look really delicious!! Funny enough I posted a brownie based strawberry mousse cake this morning.. seems like we were thinking along the same lines Great minds think alike (or so they say..lol)
xoxoJohlene recently posted..Strawberry Mousse and Chocolate Brownie Desserts

Jocelyn is the baker, photographer, and writer behind Inside BruCrew Life. She is married to her best friend, and they have three great kids. She spends her days baking sweet treats, and then trying to find ways to give the treats away without eating them all. Grab a cup of coffee and visit while she shares life from their kitchen. Read More...